Definition of languorousnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective languorous differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of languorous are lackadaisical, languid, listless, and spiritless. While all these words mean "lacking energy or enthusiasm," languorous suggests a dreamy boredom and delicacy that avoids unnecessary activity.

languorous cats lying in the sun

When is it sensible to use lackadaisical instead of languorous?

In some situations, the words lackadaisical and languorous are roughly equivalent. However, lackadaisical implies a carefree indifference marked by half-hearted efforts.

lackadaisical college seniors pretending to study

When can languid be used instead of languorous?

The synonyms languid and languorous are sometimes interchangeable, but languid refers to an unwillingness or inability to exert oneself due to fatigue or physical weakness.

was depressed and languid for weeks after surgery

When would listless be a good substitute for languorous?

While in some cases nearly identical to languorous, listless suggests a lack of interest caused by physical weakness or dissatisfied boredom.

listless hospital patients
listless children flipping through picture books on a rainy day

In what contexts can spiritless take the place of languorous?

The meanings of spiritless and languorous largely overlap; however, spiritless refers to a lack of animation or vigor that gives one's actions and words life.

a spiritless recital of the poem

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of languorous Their first statement signing to launch the project was the €42m purchase of the lanky and languorous Argentine playmaker. — James Horncastle, New York Times, 2 June 2026 But, for those looking for something a bit more low-key with the languorous pace of the south, there’s always Puglia. — Angela Tafoya, Vogue, 18 May 2026 In conversation, Cornish-Dale is cocky but likable, with a languorous way of speaking that reminded me of Simon Cowell. — Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 14 May 2026 The prevailing trend, and antidote to turbulent, ever-changing times, was rather zen, languorous and quieting. — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 17 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for languorous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for languorous
Adjective
  • As in Virginia Woolf’s novel, the film’s present-day action is confined to a single day, interrupted by flashbacks to a languid summer vacation three decades past.
    — Joe Reid, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026
  • There are plenty of people who have never listened to country radio who are finding it through pop radio or social media or word of mouth or even through Drake’s languid remake featuring Don Toliver (though Langley’s cameo is now out of the video).
    — Katie Atkinson, Billboard, 23 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The Chargers, meantime, opened with three losses for the first time since 2017, and feature a listless, sputtering offense that lacks finish under first-year offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 Sep. 2026
  • In her final years, disappointed visitors reportedly threw sand into her cage to try to make the listless bird move, as author Joel Greenberg recounted to National Geographic.
    — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 21 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • This is not to say that coach Marco Sturm will be lackadaisical.
    — Fluto Shinzawa, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Its knit fabric never requires an iron or steamer, and it’s held up through countless washes without pilling despite my lackadaisical approach to laundry.
    — Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • For serious gear collectors tired of pocket clutter and dark backpack voids, this clever mobile workstation is a genuinely smart, highly functional evolution.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Common symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, gasping for air during the night, and waking up feeling tired.
    — Lindsay Curtis, HEALTH, 27 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The Chiefs turned that spiritless first half into a 28-7 blowout Monday night against the Commanders, opening the second half with touchdown drives of 80, 75 and 94 yards.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 28 Oct. 2025
  • From spiritless spirits to refusing to open up a bar tab, members of Generation Z are continuing to challenge alcohol traditions.
    — Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This is an important practical issue because nighttime feedings happen when parents are understandably exhausted.
    — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Researchers now think the answer is not more stimulation, but a chance to reset exhausted fibroblasts.
    — Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Instead, Iñárritu shoves in a limp subplot about a missing daughter to humanize him.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026
  • If all else fails, go limp and curl up into the fetal position, protecting your head and core with your arms and legs.
    — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 18 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Illustration by Patricia Bolaños In sleepy South Slope, a local son in search of a beer bar walked past a familiar, long-shuttered laundromat.
    — Sheldon Pearce, New Yorker, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Carlotta and Dedo have to do everything in their power to prove her innocence and avoid losing her again, with their investigation taking them to the heart of their sleepy suburban town, Sundersheim.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 23 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Languorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/languorous. Accessed 7 Oct. 2026.

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